Residents in Henry County now have a new way to safely dispose of rechargeable batteries.
Waste officials say batteries are now accepted at the Des Moines County Area Recyclers drop-off site in Mount Pleasant. The facility is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and residents can bring batteries along with their regular recyclables. Mobile recycling units are also available, with weekly stops in New London, Iowa, Danville, Iowa, and Winfield, Iowa to provide additional convenience.
Officials stress proper disposal is critical, as lithium and rechargeable batteries can pose a serious fire risk if thrown in the trash or standard recycling. A recent incident in Burlington, Iowa, where a lithium battery ignited inside a garbage truck, highlights the potential danger and the importance of using designated recycling options.
